The DA has called for an urgent intervention by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, and her department at three Durban retirement homes, following months of inaction despite residents claims of mismanagement of fees, bullying and racism.
In August, the DA conducted oversight inspections at Mary Asher, St Gabriels and Saint Michael’s, run by the Durban Council of South African Women on land owned by eThekwini Municipality. Our findings were extremely troubling with many female residents reduced to tears while talking to us.
At Mary Asher, the DA found a discrepancy in the rental amount with one resident paying R1 500 while others paid R850, with no apparent difference in accommodation or care.
While living conditions were satisfactory, some units did need attention. Alarmingly, our discussions with residents revealed that there was no matron or caregivers and no rules, protocols or proper procedures.
Residents also cited poor governance, with no AGM having been held since 2018 amid claims that the board is not ratified.
Other complaints included:
• No lease agreements for residents,
• Utilities grossly overdue, while the home faces closure,
• Staff and management allegedly causing division amongst residents,
• A female board member living in the men’s home in breach of protocol,
• The unannounced arrival of a new manager, and
• Poor security, with anybody having access to the front gates.
The DA’s inspection of the St Gabriel’s men’s retirement home established that residents are expected to fix their own appliances, with their own funds. This despite missing internal doors, broken asbestos gutters, a single old stove for up to 10 residents, only one small fridge and a broken washing machine.
At St Michael’s, the DA established that one of the residents is a paid staff member, yet does not pay rent. Further issues, amongst others, included:
• The ground floor geyser – which services 16 residents – is not working,
• Wood borer in the doors,
• Bathroom plumbing issues with no maintenance and mouldy walls, and
• Only one kitchen/laundry room despite many residents.
It is clear that the ongoing problems at these homes demands urgent attention by MEC Shinga and her department.
To aggravate the situation, both the Ward 31 Councillor, Remona Mackenzie and the chairperson of the local ratepayers’ association have now been denied access to the facilities after their efforts to assist residents.
The question is: What is the Municipality trying to hide?
Following our oversights in August, the DA submitted a full report to the MEC. To date we have not received a formal response.
While we are aware that a DSD official visited the homes, we have also been advised that he not allowed to talk freely to residents.
The DA expects MEC Shinga to launch a detailed investigation into all three homes. Her first priority is to intervene over the unratified board, alleged discrepancies in rentals, poor maintenance and the lack of proper services. We also expect her to look into ongoing allegations of bullying and intimidation and claims of interference from a particular political party.
The DA will continue to fight for the rights of KZN’s elderly citizens and will not tolerate any form abuse levelled against them.